Managing anxiety in children with ADHD using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Emma Sciberras, Melissa Mulraney, Vicki Anderson, Ronald M. Rapee, Jan M. Nicholson, Daryl Efron, Katherine Lee, Zoe Markopoulos, Harriet Hiscock

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    22 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: This pilot randomized controlled trial examined the acceptability and feasibility of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for children with ADHD and anxiety, and provided preliminary information on child and family outcomes.

    Method: Children with ADHD and anxiety (8-12 years) were randomized to receive an adapted version of the Cool Kids CBT program or usual clinical care. Key outcomes included feasibility and acceptability of the intervention (participant enrollment, drop-out, intervention session attendance), remission of anxiety assessed via diagnostic interview, ADHD symptom severity, quality of life (QoL), and parent mental health.

    Results: Twelve children participated (67% uptake). Most families attended all 10 intervention sessions, with no drop-outs. Intervention participants had marked improvements in both child and family well-being by parent and teacher report, including anxiety, ADHD symptom severity, QoL, and parent mental health.

    Conclusion: Non-pharmacological interventions may improve important domains of functioning for children with ADHD and anxiety, including ADHD symptom severity.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)515– 520
    Number of pages6
    JournalJournal of Attention Disorders
    Volume22
    Issue number5
    Early online date4 May 2015
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Mar 2018

    Keywords

    • ADHD
    • anxiety
    • cognitive-behavioral therapy
    • randomized controlled trial
    • children

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